Lake Chatuge: Bring home a trophy!

During the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship, we got a special behind-the-scenes look at the tournament and the Expo through the eyes of Black Velvet.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

2 / 19

Fans started the day by playing a special version of cornhole, or beanbag toss, made for Bassmaster tournaments.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

3 / 19

"Bring Home a Trophy" is the motto for Black Velvet, and the theme resonated throughout the Bassmaster Elite Series venue, for both fans and the professional anglers.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

4 / 19

Outside fans waited patiently to meet Elite Series anglers.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

5 / 19

Chuck and Deena were the bartenders in the Black Velvet tent. They’re from Hiawassee, Ga. “We’re celebrating life today,” said Deena. “It’s too short not to enjoy every day. We’ve really enjoyed meeting the fans.”

Photo: Chris Mitchell

6 / 19

As fans drifted into the Black Velvet tent, Chuck and Deena were happy to talk whisky and fishing too.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

7 / 19

Fans 21 years of age and over got a free taste of Black Velvet, a floating keychain and bag for carrying other goodies from the Expo.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

8 / 19

This trophy, with a leaping bass on top, was a great reminder of Black Velvet’s commitment to fishing.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

9 / 19

Nearby in a different booth, Bassmaster anglers and sponsors could get their own taste of Black Velvet.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

10 / 19

It was a hot day, so whisky on ice was a good combination.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

11 / 19

Meanwhile, over at the Bassmaster media trailer, several bottles of Black Velvet were readied for the winning anglers.

Photo: Jim Sexton

12 / 19

B.A.S.S. Times editor Bryan Brasher had no problem sharing his workspace with the prize bottles.

Photo: Jim Sexton

13 / 19

Outside, fans continued playing cornhole. This one looks like a winner!

Photo: Chris Mitchell

14 / 19

On the Bassmaster stage, trophies and other prizes awaited the winners.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

15 / 19

That’s Jake Whitaker, the brand new Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

16 / 19

James Elam won the three-day tournament on Lake Chatuge.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

17 / 19

And Justin Lucas won the much coveted title of Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year.

Photo: Chris Mitchell

18 / 19

After all the festivities had ended, the Bassmaster.com crew went to relax at a restaurant called, appropriately, Unwind. Even the servers there were decked out in Black Velvet shirts.